Quick Irish Soda Bread

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Bake: 25 min. + cooling

Makes

1 loaf

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023
Each bite of this traditional loaf is dotted with raisins. My family considers this my "best ever" bread recipe. I hope you agree.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cold butter
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • Additional melted butter
  • Additional flour

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in buttermilk just until moistened. Fold in raisins.
  2. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 times. Shape into a 7-in. round loaf; place on a greased baking sheet. With a sharp knife, cut a 1/4-in.-deep cross on top of the loaf.
  3. Bake at 375° for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack. Brush with additional butter. Cool. Dust with additional flour.
buttermilk
To substitute for each cup of buttermilk, use 1 Tbsp. white vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to measure 1 cup. Stir, then let stand 5 min. Or, use 1 cup plain yogurt or 1-3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1 cup milk.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 135 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 288mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.